Anchoring within Esperance Port Limits

ANCHORING WITHIN ESPERANCE PORT LIMITS

Local Marine Notice 07/2022 is cancelled.

Masters are reminded of the responsibility to ensure their vessel is operated safely at all times, paying particular attention to current and forecast weather conditions. The seabed in Esperance is sandy and does not provide a good holding ground for vessels using the anchorages. Permission to anchor within Esperance Port limits is subject to the following conditions:

• The vessels may only use the designated anchorage determined by the Harbour Master or Duty Pilot.
• A STCW qualified officer of the watch is to be on the bridge at all times. The watch keeper is required to constantly monitor the ship’s position and the movement and proximity of other vessels within Port Limits.
• A VHF watch on channels 12, 16 and 70 must be maintained at all times.
• All defects, incidents and near misses must be reported to AMSA and the Port Authority as soon as is reasonably possible.
• Engines must be available on not less than 30 minutes notice at all times.
• When winds of 25 Knots or higher are forecast or experienced, engines must be available on immediate notice;
• When winds of 40 Knots or higher are forecast or experienced, the vessel must weigh anchor and depart to a safe location outside port limits;
• The Master must take all measures possible to ensure the vessel remains in its designated anchorage;
• Notwithstanding the above, if the vessel drags its anchor, or for any reason is unable to maintain its position, the vessel must weigh anchor and depart to a safe location outside port limits (vessels agent to notify duty pilot via email).

Charts Permanently Affected AUS 119